The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Testing the Fascism Thesis

Unpopular Front • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Authoritarianism Trumpism Democracy
  1. The fascism thesis is viewed as a framework to analyze Trump's behavior. It can help predict actions but must remain flexible to be valid.
  2. Key predictions include the potential for state-backed violence against political opponents and the suspension of civil liberties. If these things happen, it would strengthen the fascism theory.
  3. The reaction of the Biden administration to Trump shows challenges in maintaining democratic norms without appearing hypocritical. It's a balancing act that can complicate democratic practices.

US Government is 'not doing their homework' on gun violence at schools

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence School Shootings Data journalism Policy Impact
  1. The US Government lacks a federal record of gun violence in schools, which is a major oversight.
  2. Rigorous databases like the K-12 School Shooting Database provide crucial information on school shootings, showing the importance of collecting data.
  3. Data collection efforts, like those of David Riedman, play a vital role in supporting policy briefings, research, and raising awareness about gun violence in schools.

July 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Elections Immigration Public Opinion Policies
  1. Many Americans disapprove of Trump's immigration policies and fear mass deportations. Recent polls show a significant amount of opposition to his actions.
  2. Trump's popularity is declining, with people believing his policies have harmed them more than helped. This includes negative views on tariffs and overall job approval.
  3. There is growing public demand for transparency regarding the Epstein case, with a large majority wanting all related documents released by the government.

In the Midwest, Pre-Election, On Freedom

Thinking about... • 87 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Freedom Public Engagement Democracy Political Events
  1. The author is doing multiple events in the Midwest, including in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, to promote their book 'On Freedom'.
  2. They encourage people to attend these discussions and Q&A sessions, emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere.
  3. There are also options for virtual attendance for some events, making it accessible for more people to participate.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Blood and Soil

KERFUFFLE • 57 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Identity Culture History Right-wing
  1. Many people today feel a loss of connection and trust in their communities. This feeling of dislocation has led some to seek meaning and identity in traditional or nationalistic roots.
  2. The idea of America as just an abstract idea is fading. More people are starting to see it as a nation with a shared culture and history.
  3. The current political movements often focus on identities that divide rather than unite. There is a need for a renewed sense of national identity that brings people together instead.

A Historic Race

Journal of Free Black Thought • 81 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Racism Society Economy Immigration Media
  1. The recent election shows that many Americans are looking past race and focusing on the candidates' skills and policies. This might mean a move towards a more 'raceless' society.
  2. People seem to care more about the economy than race when choosing leaders. Even if economic conditions are good, voters often feel unsure and prefer leaders who they believe will better manage economic issues.
  3. The changing views on race in America highlight progress. The idea of voting based on racial categories is becoming outdated as people recognize the diversity within humanity.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Military Policy Media Studies Public Health Trans issues
  1. Seymour Hersh has reported that the U.S. was involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines, which raises questions about media credibility and the motivations behind such actions. His claims challenge the official narratives about who may have been responsible.
  2. The war in Ukraine is escalating, with increased military support from the U.S. and more involvement in the conflict. This raises concerns about the implications of deeper military commitments and the possibility of a prolonged war.
  3. The debate around gender-affirming hormones for minors has intensified, with some reports suggesting inadequate oversight and the potential for irreversible medical interventions. Many are questioning how decisions are made in trans health care for young people.

Reality Optional-Episode 89

Disaffected Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Protests Health Policy Media Critique Transgender Issues
  1. Media often responds untruthfully to protests and events, which can skew public perception. It's important to critically evaluate news coverage.
  2. Journalism has shifted towards misleading narratives rather than factual reporting. Trust in news sources has become a significant issue.
  3. Some medical institutions are reevaluating their practices regarding gender transition surgeries for minors, indicating a growing concern in the medical community.

The political feasibility of UCert.

Gordian Knot News • 58 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Legislation Regulation Public Perception
  1. UCert is a proposed solution to deregulate nuclear power. It aims to make nuclear energy more politically acceptable.
  2. Belief in the safety of nuclear power is crucial to support UCert. Supporters need to reject the idea that nuclear energy is extremely harmful.
  3. UCert could be politically feasible because it requires changes to only one law and affects a small area, making it easier to implement than broader reforms.

July 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Space Science Culture
  1. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969, and many people in the U.S. watched it live on TV. It was a big moment in history that showed what people could achieve when supported by their government.
  2. The author recalls their childhood experience of watching the Moon landing and how it felt monumental even if they didn't fully understand it at the time. The memories include their siblings' reactions, highlighting the different ways people can experience the same event.
  3. The piece reflects on the past to remind us of what can be accomplished, especially during a time when there seems to be a breakdown in government and institutions. It's an encouragement to share personal memories of the Moon landing as part of history.

Dr. Oz wants to force Pennsylvania seniors into Wall Street-run health insurance plans

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Insurance Government Elections Corporate Influence
  1. Dr. Oz wants to push seniors in Pennsylvania into private health insurance plans that may cost them more than traditional Medicare. These private plans can limit their choices for doctors and hospitals.
  2. If this change happens, Dr. Oz could benefit financially because he owns a lot of stock in a big company that runs these plans. It would make him richer while seniors may end up with less coverage.
  3. Many seniors prefer sticking with original Medicare and avoid these private plans, but changes could force them to switch. This could lead to a lot of taxpayer money being spent without good coverage.

RFK Jr. probably won't hurt Biden. He might even help him.

Silver Bulletin • 238 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Polling
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential third-party run may not necessarily harm President Biden, and could even benefit him.
  2. Historically, third-party bids have had varied impacts and are not always spoilers in elections.
  3. Polls suggest that Trump supporters view Kennedy more favorably, and his issue positions may not align well with the college-educated Democratic base.

What Elites Do To Others...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 90 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Government Policy Wealth Inequality Civil Rights
  1. Elites often make tough decisions that primarily hurt those who are less privileged. They don't usually consider sacrificing their own benefits to help others.
  2. The current climate crisis is getting worse, with potential environmental disasters looming. Action from wealthy individuals and leaders is essential, but they often prioritize their own interests.
  3. Many billionaires believe they cannot be taxed effectively. There are ways to change this, but it requires strong policies and willingness to take action against the wealthy.

Monopoly Eggs, Supporting Corruption, and the Actual Use of AI

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Monopolies AI Economy Regulation
  1. Many grocery items are produced by just a couple of big companies, creating monopolies. This means less competition and potentially higher prices for consumers.
  2. Corruption in big companies happens often, and it gets worse when we don't pay attention to what really goes on behind the scenes. It's important to stay aware and not just look for who's in charge.
  3. Just because a company seems to be against a bad leader doesn't mean they're good. They might still be unethical, so we should be careful who we support.

July 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Disaster relief Government spending Public Opinion Political Campaigns
  1. FEMA struggled to answer emergency calls after recent floods in Texas due to budget cuts, receiving significantly fewer calls in the days following the crisis.
  2. Public opinion on immigration has shifted, with many Americans now believing that immigrants are beneficial to the country, despite strict policies from the current administration.
  3. The Trump administration is facing backlash for its handling of immigration and its connection to past issues, including the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has stirred controversy in the political landscape.

July 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Congress Immigration Media Policy
  1. Republicans are showing panic over issues related to Trump, especially regarding Epstein, which is causing divisions among them.
  2. Trump's approval ratings are dropping, especially among Independents, with many Americans disapproving of his handling of immigration.
  3. The government is facing criticism over the treatment of detainees, with reports of inhumane conditions and legal issues surrounding wrongful deportations.

Chris Hedges Post-Election Livestream Q&A, Nov. 6 @ 6pm ET

The Chris Hedges Report • 82 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Livestream Q&A Public Discourse Political Commentary
  1. Chris Hedges is hosting a live Q&A on November 6 at 6pm ET. This is a good chance to ask questions about the election results.
  2. To participate in the Q&A, you need to be a paid subscriber. Keep your questions short so they can be addressed easily.
  3. The event will be streamed on Hedges' YouTube channel, making it accessible for everyone. It's a great opportunity to hear insights directly from him.

My most conservative beliefs: Price controls suck and Federal deficit matters

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Insurance Market Regulation
  1. Price controls can lead to less supply. When prices are kept low, it can make it hard for businesses to operate, leading to fewer products or services available.
  2. Regulating insurance prices can be problematic. It's essential to find a balance, as too much control can push companies out of the market, resulting in fewer options for consumers.
  3. The federal deficit is an important issue. Keeping track of government spending and debt is crucial for a healthy economy, and ignoring it can lead to severe long-term consequences.

Barbie and Ken's Treason Tour

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Political violence Trumpism Republican party Conspiracy Theories
  1. Gaetz and Greene's tour is trying to stir up anger among their supporters. They are using shocking statements to get attention and rally their base.
  2. Their events have low attendance, showing that not everyone is buying into their message. But they continue to ramp up their rhetoric to keep the media interested.
  3. There are concerns about the threats of political violence in their messages. Many feel that this could lead to dangerous situations, reminding people of past violence in politics.

Lockdowns & Deep Impact

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Disaster Leadership Philosophy
  1. Establishing traditions that reinforce positive themes, like masculinity, with your children can be significant.
  2. Disaster movies often portray common themes like philosopher-king leadership and lockdowns, reflecting on real-world events and responses.
  3. The concept of a philosopher-king taking decisive actions in times of crisis, as shown in movies and real-life scenarios, can impact our perceptions and reactions to disasters.

A tangible thing you can do today to fight Trump's takeover of the federal government

Can We Still Govern? • 215 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Civil Service Accountability Partisanship
  1. You can take action against Trump's attempt to politicize the federal government by commenting on a proposed rule to neuter Schedule F.
  2. Public comments on rules can influence policy decisions and help protect the independence of the bureaucracy.
  3. Increasing politicization of government agencies can lead to lower performance, reduced accountability, and less responsiveness to Congress and the public.

How Zohran Scrambles the Right

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 25 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Progressivism Conservatism Political strategy
  1. Zohran Mamdani is shaking things up in politics, making some conservatives uneasy. He brings a cool vibe that challenges the traditional image of progressive politicians.
  2. Many younger people used to see progressives as less cool, but Mamdani's style and confidence have changed that perception. He stands out as a fresh face, akin to Barack Obama.
  3. The New Right is struggling to define Mamdani, resorting to old criticisms that don't fit him well. Instead of being just another millennial politician, he feels different and more relatable.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, John B. Taylor, & Kevin Warsh Are Not Professional Analysts, But Rather Republican Courtiers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Policy Analysis Political Influence
  1. Kevin Warsh's role in politics shows how personal identity can outweigh professional expertise. He is seen more as a supporter of party lines rather than a strictly analytical voice.
  2. Several economists, like Cogan and Hubbard, are criticized for aligning their views with political agendas instead of relying on data. This raises questions about their credibility in economic discussions.
  3. The long-term decline in U.S. productivity is significant, and some economists downplay this reality. Ignoring the actual data trends can harm their reputations as credible professionals.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-22 Fr

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Misinformation Political Movements Elections Economics
  1. Real wages for non-managerial workers are growing stronger now than in the past due to a tight labor market. This growth has continued despite challenges like the pandemic and inflation.
  2. Media sources greatly influence people's opinions and political views, creating a divide in beliefs. Many Americans see their reality differently based on their news consumption.
  3. There are different kinds of populist leaders, but not all fit neatly into traditional categories. The motivations behind their actions can vary widely, affecting how they connect with their supporters.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Political Movements Civil Liberties Government Accountability Public Health
  1. The medical freedom movement has gained momentum during COVID-19, uniting people across political lines who oppose vaccine mandates and advocate for civil liberties.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement focuses on improving public health, addressing chronic diseases, and reforming the food and pharmaceutical industries.
  3. Kennedy's efforts are often misrepresented as solely anti-vaccine, but he emphasizes a broader agenda aimed at tackling chronic illnesses and promoting healthier lifestyles for all.

Highly Sensitive

Technically Optimistic • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Data Privacy Legislation AI Technology National Security
  1. President Biden's Executive Order aims to protect Americans' sensitive data from being transferred to 'countries of concern' like China and Russia.
  2. Legislation for data privacy in the US needs to address not just foreign threats but also prevent data collection within the country, like in cases of apps like TikTok.
  3. Comprehensive data privacy laws are crucial, and while the Executive Order is a positive step, there is a need to push for more robust protection measures from legislators.

Our intelligentsia has abandoned our illiterati

Sex and the State • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Media influence Voter Demographics Gender Issues
  1. Many young men who don’t read much are being influenced by certain podcasters, which is a concern for progressives trying to win elections.
  2. These podcasts often focus on entertainment rather than politics, appealing to men who might not engage with more traditional media.
  3. There is a need for more relatable and engaging political messaging to connect with young men in the lower educated and income brackets, especially from the left.

Trump Prepares Washington, DC For The Public Backlash.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Elections Public Opinion Protests Government Policy
  1. People are really upset with both the Democrats and Republicans. Many think the next elections will be a big chance for independent candidates.
  2. There's a strong feeling that the way politics is handled now isn't working, and protests may become more common as people demand change.
  3. A lot of voters are registering as independents instead of sticking with the usual parties. This shift shows a growing desire for new ideas and leadership outside traditional politics.

Biden Blinks

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 08 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Biden administration Russia Relations Energy Policy International Security
  1. Biden's decision to waive sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has been criticized as a major mistake, as it benefits Russia and threatens Ukraine's security.
  2. Putin has taken aggressive actions against Ukraine and the U.S. in response to perceived weakness from Biden, which has raised concerns in both countries.
  3. There are discussions about how to prevent Russia from using energy as a tool for coercion, but many believe these measures won't be effective against a determined Putin.

Online Censorship's Institutional Power

Mad at the Internet • 139 HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Media influence Digital Rights Internet Governance
  1. There is a growing concern about powerful interests in technology and media that can control online content and silence dissent. People are worried that without organized action, the internet could become less free.
  2. The Kiwi Farms forum has shown how sharing information online can impact reputations significantly. When people share thoughts and stories freely, it can create lasting effects, especially on influential figures.
  3. The anti-censorship movements often lack coordination and resources compared to pro-censorship groups. This makes it hard for them to effectively combat censorship efforts that threaten open dialogue online.

The Senate OBBBA Dissenters

Gideon's Substack • 26 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Voting
  1. Some Republican senators voted against a big bill because they believed it would hurt many people, especially in rural areas. They wanted more time to review it but didn't get it.
  2. Moderate senators are in a tough spot; they need to balance their votes with what their state wants while keeping their party happy. Some were able to vote against the bill without risking their position.
  3. More extreme members of the party can vote based on their beliefs without worrying much about re-election. Their opinions are important because they can influence whether the bill passes or fails.

Dirty Skylines and Snow Washing

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 16 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Real Estate Money Laundering Legislation International relations
  1. Many luxurious properties in the U.S. are bought with 'dirty money' from criminals and corrupt officials. These people use sneaky ways to hide their identities and wash their money clean.
  2. Real estate professionals, like lawyers and agents, often help these criminals by setting up secretive companies that hide ownership. This makes it really hard for law enforcement to catch them.
  3. There's a big problem with money laundering globally, which affects housing affordability and national security. Countries need better rules and cooperation to stop this flow of illegally obtained money.

Election 2024: The Day Before

The Reactionary • 82 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Political parties Voter Turnout Campaign strategies
  1. Republicans are feeling more confident going into the 2024 election, especially with recent polling showing Trump gaining ground in key swing states. The mood has shifted significantly in the last couple of months.
  2. Early voting results indicate that Republicans have better turnout compared to Democrats, especially in states like Nevada and Pennsylvania. This may suggest a problem with Democrat enthusiasm compared to the previous election.
  3. In several swing states, urban and female voter turnout is down compared to 2020, while rural turnout is up for Republicans. This shift could impact the overall election results.

Sunday Strip: Run Zebra Run

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Opinion Social movements
  1. California is heavily funding NGOs that are organizing protests against ICE, spending tens of millions of dollars.
  2. Current riots in LA may cause more people to reconsider their views on illegal immigration and the Democrat party's stance on the issue.
  3. There are concerns that the protests could become increasingly violent, potentially driving more people away from progressive politics.